مجلة حديقة الحيوانات بالعين " زوولايف " العدد الثاني والعشرونZooLife October 2019 edition

October 2019

Al Ain Safari

Wonders take you to the heart of Africa

Naser AlMansoori Discovers the bat cave!

Read More: The luxury of having dinner with lions at Al Ain Safari The women who accepted the challenge

UPCOMING EVENTS 2019

A free space for the wonders of light and lens, that we leave up to the visitors’ and webpage surfers’ creativity. Share your picture with us, and let it speak for you.

Please send the photographs to zoolife@alainzoo.ae

Abu Dhabi 10 - 17 OCTOBER Liwa Dates Auction 2019 Liwa

16 - 19 OCTOBER Abu Dhabi International Boat Show 2019 Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company

25 - 26 OCTOBER Trevor Noah Live In Abu Dhabi Du forum

26 - 30 OCTOBER Jewellery and Watch Show Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company

Al Ain 21 OCTOBER Zoo Run Al Ain Zoo

24 OCTOBER A magical deer, the sun shining throughout the day and an atmosphere of the heart of Africa can be found around every corner of Al Ain Zoo. So much amazement must have accompanied our visitor as he wandered through the picturesque natural environment while irresistible and spontaneous animals made their presence known. This is Al Ain Safari.

By: Paul John Ramos

3rd anniversary of the opening of the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre Al Ain Zoo

VALID UNTIL 25 OCTOBER Jabel Hafeet Challenge Jabel Hafeet

VALID UNTIL 27 DECEMBER Al Qattara Arts Centre Events Al Qattara Arts

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OUR TEAM

Delicate hands behind

the Safari wheel

At Al Ain Zoo, we have brought together and nurtured a women’s team that is dedicated to reaching excellence, loves taking on challenges, and speaks about wildlife and the preservation of biodiversity both skillfully and pleasantly, enabling them to rise to become the best in their field across the UAE. The conversation about Emirati cadres recurs frequently, but when we talk about women who are proficient in the African wilderness accompanying tourists from many different countries, it is a unique subject. You can’t help but listen intently with cultural inquisitiveness that leads you to admire what the women of the UAE have accomplished.

When you get into the safari vehicle, whether it is a 4x4 Safari car or truck , it is inevitable that you will admire your Emirati tour guide who has shown ambition, and succeeded in her goals. She will tell you all about protection of endangered species and African wildlife.

The women’s guide team at Al Ain Safari was founded in 2016 and is the result of all the efforts that the Zoo has put into the Emiratization journey in support of Emirati women at various levels. The team consists of 6 women in a field that was previously dominated

by men. They are well educated on wildlife, fluent in multiple languages, caring about their work environment; they are patient and very intuitive. they tend to be calm and in controlled in facing different animals and their various characteristics.

Our “knights” have faced several challenges, but they overcame all these challenges and managed to achieve brilliance that is admired by everyone that meets them. They are a vivid example of the results of the support of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, father of the nation, who once said: "I hope that the women in my country will follow their sisters in those countries which have previously made the adjustment to the procession of progress and development."

Our team at Al Ain Safari consists of 12 Emirati tour guides, of which our female knights are: • Shaikha Sghayer Al Dhaheri • Mariam Mohammed Alneyadi • Maitha Mohammed Al Baloushi • Raja Mohammed Alketbi • Latifa Salem Alnuaimi • Amna Ahmed Alnuaimi ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | October 2019 | 3

My Story

I am a Banyan tree (al amaram in Tamil) living in the outskirts of Tamil Nadu, India.

Just to keep the records straight, I am not the famous, 450-year-old banyan tree in Chennai. I am a not so famous tree in a rambling locality. I have heard many stories told by elders to their children resting on my roots. But this story is mine, about me.

Banyan Tales Written by: Jayanth Ananthakris First winner of story for 11-14 years old category

I am 200 years old and over the time I have seen droughts, cyclones and storms.

Even the severe monsoon rains could not damage my main trunk and I continued to thrive. One evening, on a May summer day, two people rested on my trunk. The sun was blazing away, and they were thankful for the shade. They were saying that a chemical factory was going to be established in the district, quite nearby.

They were happy that this would boost the district trade, real estate prices will go up and everyone will get employment. I am really tall you see, and I could see the site getting ready.

Will this herald happy days? I was not so sure. Already the noise of concrete was rending my ears and through the dust I really could not see. 5 years over and the factory was completed.

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I was the first person to see it commissioned by a swirl of smoke. Days went on, less people came to rest in my trunk or play games near me. The city was now developed, there were theatres, malls and playgrounds to relax. I could see happy faces everywhere enjoying themselves.

I still had my doubts. Thick dust was beginning to settle on me. sweet showers which came in august did not come this year. I persevered. I was surrounded by industrial waste. no one now came near me.

Well then came the plan to convert the entire area where I reside to a dump yard.

What can I do? I have lived here for more than 200 years and just like that I am made to die of toxic poisoning?

No. not that I did not have friends. People who still think plants have equal or more rights to survive in the world started to fight for me. But then, what can I do. I give out shade, oxygen and shelter but I was being poisoned slowly but surely.

I was not worried about myself but about the people around me. Have they not understood that man lives with nature and no life can exist without me? How can they be short-sighted? Time has made me wise and I do know men will realise their mistake. But the price? I was not sure.

One morning, the entire city woke up early with itchy eyes and breathing troubles.

Kids, elders and adults alike. Vehicles came announcing in streets asking people to stay indoors. It seems Sulfur dioxide was over permissible limits. People remained indoors, and factory remained shut. Days went by, the factory remained shut. Monsoons came and washed away the garbage surrounding me.

Birds started to visit me. Cuckoos made home in my branches, sparrows played around me. Well, hope was beginning to enter my heart. Kids came next. they began to play near me. it looks like men have learned their lessons. The factory reopened another day, but they had taken care of the toxins. They were forced to convert the entire area to green belt to compensate for the damage.

I started to see trees grow all over and the landscape turned more and more green.

Maybe I will go on to live some 200 years more. Maybe I will be able to hear tales the kids tell their kids. Maybe I will stay to tell my own banyan tales.

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the observer

Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2019

Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition 2019

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experiences

Experience the adventure of

Dining with lions A new and exciting experience is being introduced to Al Ain Safari, where now Al Ain city visitors can dine a few meters away from members of the Lion Kingdom in a well-appointed location comparable to five-star hotel services.

The experience includes a wonderful feast accompanied by the lions, while preserving the privacy of the animals in their habitat and adhering to the animal rights and human safety, ensuring a safe and very clear view of the King of the Jungle as he shares a meal with his guests.

The experience begins (with a maximum of six visitors or a minimum of four, all over the age of 13 years) at the exclusive Al Maha Royal lounge, where the Emirati tour guide will accompany his guests as they enjoy an exciting trip to evening camps with subdued lighting surrounded by depictions of wildlife scenes. Visitors will also learn details of the wildlife and the way lions attack their prey.

Once visitors arrive at the site of the dining experience, they will be served dinner on a huge table arranged on a wooden platform overlooking the lions' den. The meal includes a delicious variety of food and beverage options that are pre-selected by visitors and are prepared on-site by specialized chefs.

Al Ain Zoo seeks to develop Al Ain Safari with this exciting new experience established by the Zoo, where future experiences will not only include admiring the lions close up and having dinner but also allowing visitors to feed them.

The experience can be booked online or by contacting 800966, which requires confirmation of prepaid bookings within 48 hours.

This experience is especially recommended for the cooler months (1 November - 30 April) or depending on the weather.

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At Our Zoo

Al Ain Safari

A world of wild wonders that takes you to the heart of Africa Al Ain Safari is a unique opportunity to discover African wildlife that takes visitors on an exciting 45 minute journey. It’s environment captures our imagination with its rock formations saturated with an African atmosphere, forming paintings with its large, small and medium lakes, and featuring around 2,500 African and local trees and plants.

The Safari is located at the heart of Al Ain Zoo, adjacent to Jebel Hafeet, extending over 217 hectares and is thus considered one of the largest man-made safaris in the world, inhabited by more than 400 African animals.

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When you visit Al Ain Safari, an Emirati tour guide will meet you and take you on your fascinating safari trip, adhering to safety and security standards.

Once you arrive at the Safari Gate, you begin to learn about the endangered animals at Al Ain Safari, where you will see them roam freely without cages or restrictions, including the Scimitar-horned Oryx, Addax antelope and others.

The journey becomes more adventurous as you are impressed by the beauty of the wildlife you encounter, with large animals such as lions, rhinoceros and giraffe, in addition to the pleasure visitors can get from watching small animals that are no less exciting, such as the jumping gazelle and Impala antelope, along with many different types of birds including the ostrich, which is the largest living species of bird in the world.

During your tour you will be attracted by a range of small, medium and large lakes, spread over long distances in the safari, surrounded by a large number of rocks and formations that simulate nature and give the impression that you are wandering inside nature reserves.

This feeling will be compounded by the off-road skills shown by the Car Tour guides who know exactly how to drive their safari cars that are specifically designed and equipped to take these

routes. Don't miss the cute giraffe families as they slowly lumber towards you and get closer to pick up their favorite food: carrots and lettuce.

The Al Ain Safari gives visitors a choice of options and offers to suit their needs. They can experience the safari in a 22-seater truck, driven by a professional driver while tour guides interact with visitors.

These trips are pre-set to include specific elements within the Safari. Special 4x4 Safari cars are also available for a more personal enjoyable experience with one of our expert tour guides who drive them to get closer to the animal gatherings.

Al Ain Safari contributes significantly to educate the public on the importance of preserving wild animals for future generations, while also playing a role in protecting the lives of these animals and other species providing a natural environment for animals as if they were in their own habitat.

During their trip, visitors can enjoy a dinner experience just a few meters away from a pride of lions at a location equipped comparable to a fivestar hotel with an evening camp dinner banquet under dim lights, during which you will experience vivid scenes of wildlife and the way lions devour their prey.

Al Ain Safari has become an important tourist destination for visitors from around the world and plays a role in Al Ain Zoo’s protection and breeding of endangered species. This is an essential part of our founding father the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s vision that enhances his concept of protecting the environment as part of his great journey that began with the establishment of Al Ain Zoo in 1968.

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THE MINISTER OF TOLERANCE The UAE created the post of Minister of Tolerance in 2016 with the aim of spreading a culture of tolerance and supporting the UAE's attitudes towards consolidating the values of tolerance, pluralism and acceptance of others regardless of racial, sectarian, religious or cultural differences.

In announcing the post of Minister of Tolerance, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, said: “We cannot allow hatred in our country. The culture of tolerance is not born in the UAE today but it is an extension of a culture that has prevailed in the region since ancient times.�

Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi was the first Minister of State for Tolerance

and after the ministerial formation in

October 2017, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan became the Minister of Tolerance.

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The functions of the Minister of Tolerance: •Following up the implementation of the Decree combating discrimination and hatred.

•Developing strategic plans for the Ministry of Tolerance.

•Raising awareness of the State as an ideal environment that embraces different nationalities and religions.

•Organizing relevant initiatives, events and activities locally, regionally and internationally •Representing the State in regional and international forums that advocate the values of tolerance

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Instagraming

alainzoouae #ExploreAlAinZoo Excited for today’s story?

About 10 years ago, a family of 5 Rhinos arrived at our doorstep Out of our concern to conserve wildlife at #AlAinZoo, we joined hands to breed those magnificent creatures Our family has gotten a lot bigger since then!

And we couldn’t be more thrilled to announce that today, 10 healthy Rhinos are happily living with us Don’t miss meeting them with their friends at #AlAinSafari

174 likes

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Conservation

Nature preservation Al Ain Zoo's programmes and facilities are diversified in terms of nature conservation. The Al Ain Safari is a facility that exceeds global standards and is a vital resource for the conservation management of multiple species of animals.

The Safari includes various species of endangered animals that have been embraced by the Zoo, which provides care and protection and creates an environment in which the animals live in conditions that re-create their habitat and imitate their natural environments in the wilds of Africa.

As a result of its high standards in providing a genuine wildlife-like environment for African animals, Al Ain Safari has received two international awards: the British International Experts Award and the American Society of Landscape Architects' Excellence Award.

The Zoo is not only providing the safari environment, it is also keen on the continuous monitoring of animals through research and protection programmes, both locally and in Africa, and throughveterinary care and breeding.

Al Ain Zoo has managed to successfully breed animals which can now live safely in the safari, including.antelopes, white rhinoceros, giraffes, African lions andzebras. This includes the ‘Extinct in the Wild’ scimitar-horned oryx and ‘Critically Endangered’ addax.

Al Ain Safari's nature conservation projects also extend to plants with areas dedicated to a variety of African and local tree and plant species. The Safari features eight lakes of varying sizes, providing habitats for numerous wild bird species, 29 separate areas for various animal species, savannah plains and a large number of rocks that mimic natural formations.

Al Ain Safari is the world's largest man-made safaris, with a total area of over 2,000 square meters, one and a half times the size of London's Hyde Park.

It also gives visitors the impression that they are inside the natural habitats of animals during their spectacular trip, accompanied by an experienced Emirati tour guide.

Al Ain Safari conservation awareness programmes are aimed at raising awareness in all visitors, young generations in particular, of the importance of protection of endangered animals and nature conservation. They achieve this through interactive education and environmental awareness programmes, as well as by training and employing young recruits in this field, overseen by skilled and highly qualified Emirati cadres, reflecting the contribution of Al Ain Safari to the conservation of biodiversity.

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Our Experts Coffee has a special beauty and the bat cave is an unforgettable world of wonders

Naser Saeed Al Mansoori: “My work at Al Ain Safari strongly supports my passion for nature, and I am just waiting for the Elephant Safari to open to enhance our experience in the field” “Usually associated with the word "arid", the desert is a little misunderstood, because it actually has a full life of its own; plants, animals, oases, rocks and sands are all elements that our ancestors knew about and they knew how to protect this wealth so that it is not lost." This is how Al Mansoori described his passion for the desert, wildlife and nature.

Our colleague Naser Saeed Al Mansoori is a Senior Officer Safari. He started his career in the Zoo in 2013 as a Park ranger supervis, where he worked until the Al Ain Safari team was formed and Nasser became team member in 2016.

He says, “We have been trained at the highest levels and have experienced real wildlife experiences in zoological safaris such as at San Diego. Then, our experiences evolved via a natural wild safari in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy - Kenya as part of our global partnership and efforts to gain knowledge and support our friends concerned with the conservation of nature and the protection of endangered animals.”

Mansoori added, “We went through the stages of training on a variety of animal behaviour and their environments and the role of the Zoo in the protection of animals, how to deal with them and highlight the aesthetic aspect of these amazing beings that help us discover something new every day. Even the way we drive the safari cars has highly thought-out 14 | ZooLife, Al Ain Zoo | October 2019

procedures because driving in wildlife environs has different standards and rules to ensure the safety and security of both people and animals.”

How did you find the guidance mission for the Safari?

I have loved nature and everything related to it since childhood, so the Safari supports my passion and

makes it more profound and experienced. It is the most enjoyable work for me because I have a passion for safaris, nature and wildlife. Even during the days that do not include safari tours, I go there to meditate and enjoy watching nature and animals enjoying their lives spontaneously.

What about visitors?

Every day, visitors find unexpected surprises in the Safari. There are no two tours the same, and the most beautiful thing of all is that we are facilitating a community awareness of wildlife. Previously, people did not know what a safari was and they thought it was just desert camps and trips. However, as the tour begins, they are fascinated by the wildlife they see when they get closer to nature and witness the stunning animal behaviour that encourages repeat visits in larger groups.

We have visitors from all segments of society from the age of 3 to 80 years. The beautiful thing is that children and the elderly in particular are the most involved and interactive with the Safari. Children are fascinated because the safari reminds them of cartoon films and children's stories that are always associated with animals. As for elderly citizens, the Safari gives them a beautiful range of emotions because this age group is more related to nature than the present generations.

Since you are passionate about nature, has this had an impact on your own life?

I am particularly fond of exploring caves; they are an unknown world where you cannot predict the hidden wonders. My trip to the bat cave in Jebel Hafeet was one of my most beautiful trips ever. I am sure that the caves of Jebel Hafeet are the best and most beautiful in the Middle East.

Tell us more about the bat cave?

I remember well the day I went with a specialized team of geologists. It was 3pm during the hottest summer months. The bats were completely peaceful and were not disturbed at all by our presence. There are also marine fossils there, proving that the area was once completely submerged. They are unspeakable wonders and for me, I can say that the bat cave is truly the heart of Jebel Hafeet, where I saw its veins and pulse in those great rock formations.

We also heard that you are fond of coffee?

I absolutely adore coffee. I have a taste for coffee and I am happy to be like that. I care deeply about how it is grown, the soil in which it grows, the way it is harvested, the degree of roasting, and the way it is brewed. Coffee has its own beauty and we should not tamper with that beauty.

Between the smell of coffee and the wonders of caves, how do you think about the future?

I am so eager for the Elephant Safari and for many projects yet to come. I think it will be a qualitative leap in the path of our Zoo and we are all eagerly awaiting it to enhance our experience in the field that we are so proud of. I also look forward to enjoy exploring the wonderful caves on future trips; and coffee is my friend who accompanies me throughout my life.

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MEDIA

Al Ain Zoo to celebrate World Tourism Day with unique achievements and future projects Al Ain Zoo celebrates World Tourism Day today by reflecting on its achievements in supporting tourism and investment development across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi since the Zoo’s inception in 1968, having becoming the largest zoo in the Middle East.

Al Ain Zoo has been a catalyst for major investment projects, tourism developments and cultural experiences that promote the region at a local and international level, as represented by its three main destinations: the Zoo and Aquarium, the Sheikh Zayed Center for Desert Learning and the Al Ain African Safari.

On this globally important occasion, the Zoo has announced a variety of projects in the fields of study and implementation, including the Land of Koalas, Reptiles and Monkey Park, the Center for Care and Rehabilitation of Confiscated and Dangerous Animals, the Green Oasis, the Land of Events and Al Ain Wildlife Park.

Future projects like these provide a unique tourism experience for wildlife enthusiasts with services and entertainment that make visits more interesting and enjoyable, while preserving the Zoo’s main mission of nature conservation and protection of endangered animals, as part of development plans to put Al Ain Zoo at the top of leisure and cultural destinations in the Middle East and the world.

This year, the Zoo has started to implement other vital projects, including the Elephant Safari, Gorilla Forest Reserve, nocturnal animals’ building and the Sand Cats area, while there are internal improvement projects such as the development of the main building and the construction of fuel stations, warehouses, irrigation and fire networks and others.

Al Ain Zoo has been actively supporting tourism for 51 years through its unique experiences, displays, shows, exciting wildlife diversity, vivid examples of wildlife tourism, interactive education based on exploration, breeding and wildlife conservation programmes and biodiversity protection. The Sheikh Zayed Center for Desert Learning and Al Ain Safari have also played major roles in enhancing tourism in the city and Abu Dhabi Emirate in general.

Speaking on the Zoo’s contributions to boosting tourism in the region, H.E. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajri, Director-General of Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium, said, “We have focused our efforts on supporting tourism in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi through three influential directions. The first direction is the family, for whom we have created a trustworthy and suitable tourist destination

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‫إعالمنا‬

‫وجوه‬

‫صون الطبيعة‬

‫انستغرام‬

‫في حديقتنا‬

‫تجربة‬

‫َ‬ ‫مشاهد‬

‫قصة قصيرة‬

‫أكتوبر ‪2019‬‬